Kia Seltos vs Mahindra Thar Roxx Spec Comparison: What’s Different?

South Korean automaker, Kia recently launched the new generation Seltos, replacing the outgoing model in the compact SUV space. However, the cutthroat competition in the compact SUV space means that the new Seltos will have to compete against Hyundai Creta, Maurti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Honda Elevate and Mahindra Thar Roxx, among others.

While the Kia Seltos is among the few compact SUVs that continue to offer diesel engine as an option, it competes against the raw, rugged and sturdy Mahindra Thar Roxx. Let’s find out how the Kia Seltos fares against the popular 5-seater Mahindra Thar Roxx:

Kia Seltos vs Mahindra Thar Roxx: Dimensions

The Kia Seltos is based on the K3 platform and measures 4,460 mm in length and 1,830 mm in width, with a wheelbase of 2,690 mm. The increased length makes the 2026 Kia Seltos the longest in the segment.

The Mahindra Thar Roxx, on the other hand, measures 4,428 mm in length, 1,870 mm in width and 1,923 mm in height.

Kia Seltos vs Mahindra Thar Roxx: Engine and Transmission

The 2026 Kia Seltos gets three engine options, much like the outgoing model. The engine options consist of G1.5 Smartstream naturally aspirated petrol engine, a G1.5 Smartstream T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine and 1.5 CRDi turbocharged diesel engine producing 113.43 bhp and 144 Nm of torque, 157.81 bhp and 253 Nm of torque, and 114.41 bhp and 250 Nm of torque, respectively. The naturally aspirated petrol engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, six-speed intelligent manual transmission and intelligent variable transmission (IVT) while the turbocharged petrol engine will be mated to seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The diesel engine will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

The Mahindra Thar Roxx is powered by both petrol and diesel engines. The petrol engine is 2.0L turbocharged engine, producing 160 bhp and 330 Nm and a 175 bhp and 380 Nm whereas the diesel variant boasts a 2.2L mHawk engine, producing 150 bhp and 350 Nm of torque and 172 bhp and 370 Nm, paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, the Mahindra Thar Roxx is available in both rear-wheel drive variants and 4x4 variants, making the car versatile in terms of city driving and off-road driving. Built on a ladder frame chassis, the Mahindra Thar Roxx can handle tough terrains with relative ease.

Kia Seltos vs Mahindra Thar Roxx: Features

The Kia Seltos gets 30-inch trinity panoramic display panel, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar adjust, ventilated front seats, Bose premium sound system with 8 speakers, sunshade curtains, type-C USB charging ports, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, 6 airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS), hill-start assist control (HAC), electronic stability control (ESC), rollover sensor, and rear occupant alert along with 21 autonomous safety features including forward collision warning, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, and smart cruise control with stop and go, among others.

The Mahindra Thar Roxx gets a six-way powered driver seat, ventilated front seats, sliding armrest, acoustic windshield, foot well lighting, Tyre direction monitoring system, cruise control, panoramic sunroof, dual-tone interiors, lockable glovebox, sunglass holder and Level 2 ADAS, among others.